AAMFI Appoints Dr. Corneille Karekezi as New Chairperson Amid Enhanced Collaboration in African Finance
In a significant leadership change, Dr. Corneille Karekezi has been named the new Chairperson of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI). This decision was solidified during the Ninth Meeting of AAMFI’s Governing Council on February 14, 2026, held alongside the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Dr. Karekezi takes over from Samaila Zubairu, who has led the Alliance since its inception in 2024.
Dr. Karekezi is currently the Group Managing Director and CEO of the African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re). His appointment comes at a pivotal time for AAMFI as it seeks to enhance collaboration among African multilateral financial institutions. The goal is to mobilize long-term capital to strengthen the continent’s financial architecture and develop solutions tailored to Africa’s financing challenges.
Under Dr. Karekezi’s leadership, AAMFI plans to maintain its focus on improving institutional coordination and addressing significant financing gaps. The Alliance aims to amplify Africa’s influence in global financial reform discussions, aligning its efforts with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which sets out a vision for a prosperous Africa.
In addition to Dr. Karekezi’s appointment, the Governing Council introduced new leadership roles, electing Mr. Manuel Moses, CEO of the African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), as First Vice-Chairperson. Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann, CEO of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, will serve as the Second Vice-Chairperson. This updated leadership structure aims to foster a more collaborative environment within the financial community.
The meeting also marked a significant milestone for AAMFI with the formal admission of two new members: the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB) and the West African Development Bank (BOAD). The addition of these institutions broadens AAMFI’s regional footprint and enhances its capabilities in areas such as maritime development, infrastructure, trade, and overall economic financing.
Reflecting on his tenure, Samaila Zubairu expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Chairperson, highlighting the progress made during his leadership. “Over the past year, we focused on creating jobs and fostering partnerships among our institutions. I am confident that under Dr. Karekezi’s guidance, AAMFI will continue to expand its impact and support Africa’s development priorities,” he remarked.
Dr. Karekezi, in his acceptance of the position, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “It is a privilege to lead AAMFI at this defining moment. Our priority will be to mobilize African capital, enhance partnerships among our institutions, and ensure that Africa’s development goals are properly financed,” he stated.
The Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions, also referred to as the Africa Club, was established to foster cooperation among African-owned financial institutions. Launched on February 17, 2024, during the 37th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, the Alliance seeks to facilitate sustainable economic development and integration across the continent.
AAMFI comprises several prominent members, including the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), and the Trade and Development Bank Group, among others. The recent membership expansion, which now includes RMDB and BOAD, reflects a commitment to a more united approach to economic development in Africa.
Together, AAMFI members boast a combined balance sheet exceeding $70 billion, earmarked for tackling critical issues in trade, investment, insurance, and development finance. The cohesive efforts of these institutions underline a widespread commitment to supporting Africa’s self-reliance and sustainable economic development through locally-driven solutions and coordinated action.
As the newly appointed Chairperson, Dr. Karekezi’s leadership is anticipated to steer AAMFI through challenges while fostering innovation and stability within the continent’s financial sectors. With a focused approach towards enhancing institutional collaboration and mobilizing resources, AAMFI is poised for transformative growth in its mission to support Africa’s development trajectory.
— Reported by Nexio News
